The newest member of the Nebraska State Patrol was officially introduced as Colonel David Sankey, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol pinned a badge on the Agency’s new mascot, Trooper Buck L. Up. The badging took place during a news conference at the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island.

“We are very excited to unveil our new mascot,” said Colonel David Sankey. “Trooper Buck will be used by our Troopers across the state promoting our agency’s mission of saving lives on Nebraska roads”.

Trooper Buck was created by Street Characters Inc., at a cost of $9,000 and was purchased for the agency by the Nebraska State Patrol Foundation, thanks to a grant from the Motorola Solutions Foundation.  He will join NSP’s current inflatable mascot Trooper Ted, who debuted in 2004.

The agency’s Community Service Officers (CSO’s) will manage Trooper Buck’s schedule as they utilize his fun presence during safety presentations at community and organizational events across the state.

Colonel Sankey said, “From the detail on his uniform to his name, it is our hope Trooper Buck will engage the young and the young at heart, as we work to encourage everyone to wear their seat belt, every trip every time”

(AP) — Authorities say more people are carrying fake guns these days.

Some are carried by people looking for a cheap way to ward off bullies or others bent on causing them harm. Sometimes criminals carry them as inexpensive ways to scare their victims into complying.

But the fake guns pose a real danger, too.

Lincoln Police Chief Jim Peschong (peh-SHAWNG’) said the danger comes from officers or civilians or even criminals who react to a fake weapon as though it were real. Deadly force could be the result.

(AP) — Dairy Queen now owns the world record for the largest fruit sculpture ever after hiring an artist to build a 10-foot-tall tree.

The restaurant chain sponsored the fruit sculpture in Calgary, Alberta, Canada earlier this month as part of a promotional event for its Orange Julius smoothies.

Sculptor Shawn Feeney used 1,200 pieces of pineapples, oranges, strawberries, peaches and mangos to build the tree.

Guinness World Record officials were present to certify the record.

The Dairy Queen chain based in Minneapolis is part of Warren Buffett’s Omaha, Neb.-based Berkshire Hathaway conglomerate.